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Understanding Modeling Contracts PDF Print E-mail
One of the first intimidating experience for new models is the modeling contract.  All the legal jargon and inconsistency of contracts can be confusing.  Signing a model contract doesn't have to be stressful.  The following essential information will help you understand the modeling contracts you'll encounter.
  1. The purpose of a modeling contract is to create a legally binding agreement between you (the model) and the modeling agency, client, or photographer.  defining the commitments made, compensation, expectations, permissions, exceptions, and limitations.  Don't be afraid to ask questions or even asking to see the contract before the shoot to give yourself time to go over it and have a third party review it.
  2. The Non-Exclusive Modeling Contract is a contract that allows a model the freedom to sign with more than one agency on a non-exclusive basis. The modeling agency will be entitled to a commission when they find you a job. However, they are not entitled a commission on any jobs found by you or other agencies.  This kind of contract is currently popular with models.  With the use of internet postings and online model portfolio sites, you are likely to find work outside of an agency.
  3. The Exclusive Modeling Contract is, you guessed it, the opposite of the Non-Exclusive Modeling Contract. You are legally binding yourself to the agency.  Until your contract expires, you are not allowed to sign with any other agency and the agency is entitled to commissions on all of your jobs. Some people consider this form of contract to be the better of the two just because it means the agency thinks the model is good enough to make them enough revenue on their own or other agencies will try to hire them.
  4. The Mother Agency Agreement are often used by smaller local modeling agencies.  This contract can be helpful to start out with but can cause problems in the future.  In these agreements you are essentially signing on with the modeling agency, agreeing they will work with you and prepare you for signing with the top modeling agencies. However, they will still be entitled to a percentage of your earnings and they remain as your "mother agency", with the top agency essentially having their permission to work with you. Modeling schools make a portion of their revenue from these contracts.  It's very important to have a third party go over this contract.  It may result in you being stuck with an entity for the rest of your career.
  5. The Model Release is a contract between you and a photographer. By signing a model release you are giving the photographer the rights to use your photographs commercially. The terms of compensations and limitations also need to be stated. Make sure you read the model release carefully and voice any concerns you may have before signing.
  6. The Booking Agreement is a contract between a model and a client, the agency acts as the middle-man during the agreement.  Specific modeling services are agreed upon for the client on a specified date, releasing publication rights, for a specified rate of compensation.
  7. Clauses in a contract are stipulations or provisions which can be included, added or removed.  Use clauses to clear up any problems you think may arise in the future.  Keep in mind that some shady photographers and agencies will use clauses to take advantage of a model.  It's okay to take a contract to a third party or a legal counsel to go over the contract.
  8. Your Rights and Responsibilities  When you sign a modeling contract you, the agency, photographer and client are legally binding yourselves and are promising to follow through with the commitments made in the contract.  It is your responsibility to read the contract, to understand what you are committing to and to follow through with your contractual promises.  It is your right and responsibility to seek third party legal counsel before signing contracts.